Former Perdue fundraiser pleads guilty

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — A former aide to North Carolina Gov. Bev Perdue pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor obstruction of justice charge related to secret salary payments received while working on the Democrat’s campaign.

Morganton lawyer Juleigh Sitton resigned last year as director of the governor’s western office. She had previously served as a paid fundraiser for Perdue’s 2008 campaign.

A second charge against Sitton for campaign finance violations was dismissed Friday as part of her plea agreement with Wake County prosecutors.

Sitton was indicted on felony charges after receiving $32,000 in unreported salary payments from illegal campaign donations. Her lawyer, Joe Zeszotarski, did not respond to a message seeking comment.

Former Perdue fundraising chairman Peter Reichard of Greensboro pleaded guilty in December to funneling the secret payments to Sitton through his company.

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